November 26. 2023 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes)
In a previous newsletter and in my book Learn How to Lead to Win, I share the story of the USS Nimitz being against the pier in the spring of 2008 for maintenance. The scope of our task was enormous. We had 10,000 maintenance items. We assembled our team, which between the maintenance crew and the ship’s crew numbered approximately 4,500 personnel at the peak. It was a daunting task.
It was our goal to shove away from the pier and be underway conducting operations on December 14, 2008. Getting underway on-time rarely happened with big boats. Following are the keys we used to manage our performance and productivity with the goal to achieve what many considered an impossible goal.
1. Clear Objectives as North Stars: Imagine a whiteboard in your office, prominently displaying the date of December 14, 2008. This date was your guiding star, the finish line everyone could see on the horizon.
2. Mobilizing a Mighty Crew: Picture the bustling docks with thousands of skilled hands and determined faces. A visual reminder of the massive team you assembled to tackle the challenge.
3. Divide and Conquer: In your mind, see the ship’s interior like a well-organized map, with maintenance crews strategically deployed to different sections. Each team with its specific responsibilities and timelines.
4. Progress Tracking: Visualize the walls covered with charts, graphs, and whiteboards filled with maintenance items checked off. The visual representation of steady progress.
5. Daily Stand-Up Meetings: Think of the daily huddle on the dock, where leaders and teams gathered to discuss tasks, share insights, and address challenges. These meetings fueled collaboration and problem-solving.
6. Empowering Decision-Making: Imagine a scenario where team members were encouraged to make decisions on the spot, minimizing bottlenecks and keeping work flowing smoothly.
7. Continuous Communication: Picture the constant flow of information through radios, walkie-talkies, and digital communication channels. Information was the lifeblood of this operation.
8. Celebrate Milestones: Recall the moments of celebration when a significant maintenance item was completed ahead of schedule. These victories motivated the entire team.
9. Adaptive Leadership: In your mind’s eye, see leaders making quick, informed decisions in response to unforeseen challenges. Giving guidance when needed, knocking down barriers and adapting to changing circumstances.
10. Resource Optimization: Visualize a well-orchestrated dance of materials, tools, and equipment, all efficiently allocated where they were needed, reducing downtime.
11. Efficiency Techniques: Think of workshops and training sessions where team members shared best practices and efficiency hacks, improving overall productivity.
12. Continuous Improvement: Imagine a boardroom with brainstorming sessions to identify areas for optimization. This commitment to ongoing improvement kept the project on track.
13. Team Morale: Picture smiles and camaraderie among the crew, even during the toughest moments. High morale was the wind in your sails.
14. Risk Management: Envision a team that proactively identified potential risks and had contingency plans in place, minimizing disruptions.
15. Resource Flexibility: Think of scenarios where resources were reallocated as needed, ensuring that no part of the project lagged behind.
16. Data-Driven Insights: Consider the use of data analytics to identify trends and make informed decisions, like a compass guiding the way.
17. Continuous Learning: See individuals taking breaks to attend skill-enhancing workshops and courses, ensuring they were well-equipped for their roles.
18. Endurance and Grit: Visualize the unwavering determination to meet the deadline, as if the ship itself was infused with the spirit of never giving up.
These keys illustrate the remarkable effort, processes, and teamwork that went into successfully managing our performance and productivity during the USS Nimitz maintenance project. It showcases how having a clear goal as your North Star and working as a team brought the goal to life, making the seemingly impossible, possible. The Nimitz pushed away from the pier and commenced operations on December 14, 2008. Mission accomplished.
“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment
to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.”
-Paul J. Meyer
Lead from your heart. Lead to Win.
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